Program Criteria: How Funds will be Allocated in New JerseyTotal Stimulus Appropriation: $3.2 billion: $2.8 billion in direct grants and $400 million for competitive grants.New Jersey’s Portion: $75.46 millionAllocation Method: These funds are being allocating by the Federal Government under formulas based on factors including population and energy consumption levels.

Program Overview

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) provide funds that will help the state and local governments reduce total energy use, cut fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency in their vehicle fleets and facilities. The EECBG program designates 65 municipalities and 10 counties as "first-tier sub-awardees" eligible to receive $61 million of the
$75.46M total in direct funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The State is eligible for $14.4 million and must set aside at least $8.6 million of that allocation to provide sub-grants to the 501 municipalities and 11 counties not eligible for direct formula grants.

Federal Requirements and Restrictions

Program Eligibility

All municipal and county governments as well as state government entities are eligible for funding. Eligible projects use strategies to reduce total energy use, to reduce fossil fuel emissions and to improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors. First-tier sub-awardees will receive funding directly from the U.S. Department of Energy and all other eligible entities will apply to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for funding.

Project Prioritization: The State awaits further guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy on program details.

Important Program Dates

April: New Jersey expects to begin to receive stimulus funding during the month of April; however, the State is awaiting further guidance from the USDOE on specific time tables.